The Savage Coloniser Show

Fierce, furious and fabulously unforgiving, we’re proud to premiere the hugely anticipated stage adaptation of Tusiata Avia’s blistering poetry collection.

Following on from the internationally triumphant production of Tusiata Avia’s Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, FCC theatre company brings to ferocious life the acclaimed writer’s The Savage Coloniser Book, for which she became the first female Pasifika poet to take out the Ockham Award for poetry.

Under the artful direction of the equally formidable Anapela Polata’ivao, Avia’s unapologetic examination of race and racism is full of bold humour, courage and lacerating truths: where red-sequinned dusky maidens train their sights on James Cook, Samoan school girls play an innocent game of patty-cake as they describe the atrocities on Nauru, and a Tour Guide offers instructions on how to be in a room full of white people. The Savage Coloniser Show is theatre that is as provocative as it is necessary – and a red-hot Festival ticket you should fear missing out on.

“With characteristic savage and stylish wit, Avia holds the word-blade to our necks and presses with a relentless grace. At the end, you’ll feel your pulse anew.” — Selina Tusitala Marsh, NZ Poet Laureate

Suitable for ages 14+

Click here to view the show programme online

Warning: The content of this show touches on important but difficult historical societal themes such as colonisation, slavery, genocide, sexual abuse and racism. Suitable for ages 14+. Contains strong language.

Post-show Q&A: Sun 12 March, 5.30pm

Regrettably, the NZ Sign Language interpreter for The Savage Coloniser Show, 4pm Sunday 12 is no longer going ahead.

Supported by

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in this show, the following organisations can provide help and advice:

• National Helplines – need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
• Lifeline – is here to provide support and help 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline – to support people who are worried about suicide of risk of suicide 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
• Samaritans – if you are experiencing loneliness, depression, despair, distress or suicidal feelings, call 0800 726 666
• HELP – Auckland’s specialist provider of sexual abuse support services 24/7 HELPline 0800 623 1700